Revisiting of the Epidemiology of Obesity among Primary School Children in Egypt

Abstract
Background: Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2016 the prevalence of obesity in all age groups has increased dramatically over the past 30 years, such that overweight and obesity are considered to be a major public health concern in many countries.
Aim of Study: This study aims to assess the prevalence of obesity among children of primary schools in Menoufia Governorate.
Patients and Methods: Across sectional field study was carried out on 7629 Egyptian children to assess prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary school children at age of 6-12 years live in Menoufia Governorate in which 5 schools was randomly selected from rural and 5 schools from urban areas including male and female children. Each child in the study was subjected to medical history, general exam-ination and Anthropometric measurements. Study was done from the first of October 2017 to the end of November 2018 in Menoufia Governorate.
Results: This study showed 12.2% of the subjects were overweight and 8.6% were obese. From this study it was concluded that females' subjects were more obese (9.7%) than male subjects (7.5%) Elder children (9-12 years) were more obese than younger children (6-<9 years). Urban residence children with higher socioeconomic standard, studied in private schools, ate fast foods and with sedentary life style showed more obesity than other children.
Conclusions: It is evident that there is correlation between gender, residence, higher socioeconomic standard and fast food intake and development of obesity in primary school children.
Recommendations: From this study it was recommended that there is an increased need to spread community awareness regarding obesity, its consequences, emphasizing on measures of obesity prevention among children, youth and their families, through promoting healthy diet and promoting physical activ-ities.